First Time Student Says TAMIU First Choice

Starting college can be an exciting time for most incoming students. For
others, it can be filled with overwhelming decisions about how and where
to continue their education.

Picking a university is often the biggest decision for a recent high school
graduate, but for some it can be the easiest decision made.

Mayra Garcia - TAMIU Student

"I always knew that I wanted to attend Texas A&M International University," said
Mayra García, an incoming freshman at TAMIU, "TAMIU was the only university
that I applied to; I knew where I wanted to go."

García, a 2007 United
South High School graduate, was eager to start college. Like most college
students, she faced concerns about how she would pay for for college.

"That's what is so great about TAMIU. There are all sorts of wonderful
programs to apply for that help students financially through college like
the 'Bridge to Success' program, which I'm a part of," García said.

"Bridge to Success" is a 10-week program for high school graduates
that incorporates academics on a University-level with a focus on gathering work
experience on a college campus. "Bridge to Success" requires students
to enroll in 12 semester credit hours over the course of Summer Session I and
II.

"Participating in 'Bridge to Success' has really helped me to attend
TAMIU; it pays for my tuition, books, school supplies, meals and even transportation," García
said.

García is now completing her second summer session at TAMIU and is
really enjoying herself. She is currently working at the Sue and Radcliffe
Killam Library and taking courses that she selected.